Call for drastic fishing cuts rejected

The South West trawler fleet is facing cutbacks

Fisheries minister Elliot Morley has turned down European calls for extensive cuts in the trawler fleet.

The European Commission has outlined proposals for a huge vessel decommissioning programme.

It is also seeking cuts of 80% in cod, haddock and whiting fishing grounds, and 40% for plaice and sole.

But Mr Morley says taking 80% of the fishing fleet out of service is almost as bad as completely closing fishing grounds.

Fisheries minister Elliot Morley: Rejected cuts

He revealed: "This is the worst year I have experienced as fisheries minister."

He argued Britain had already done its bit.

He said the scientific advice on conservation measures did not take into account huge cuts in the British fishing fleet in the last two years.

But Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler warned the alternative was the complete closure of cod, haddock and whiting grounds in the North Sea, Irish Sea and off the west coast of Scotland in 2003.

Mr Morley's response to the toughest plans for fishermen in the 20-year history of the Common Fisheries Policy was shared by other member states.

Complete closure

But Mr Fischler told ministers he was being lenient.

He said he was offering some hope for fishing next year when he should be heeding the experts and advocating complete closure of key fishing sectors.

Mr Morley said taking 80% of the fishing fleet out of service was too big a blow to an already-struggling industry.

"We have reduced the fishing effort considerably in the last year," he said.